A software firm has recognized the Indiana Department of Natural Resources as among the best in the world in using geographic information systems (GIS).
This past Wednesday, Esri presented the DNR with a Special Achievement in GIS (SAG) Award at the annual Esri User Conference in San Diego.
DNR was one of 180 SAG Award recipients selected from more than 300,000 eligible candidates from around the world.
The SAG Award recognizes organizations that are using GIS to solve some of the world’s toughest challenges. Rooted in the science of geography, GIS gathers, manages and analyzes data, organizing it into visualizations using maps and 3D scenes.
Each of DNR’s land-management and regulatory divisions contributes to its GIS program. Using data and analyses stewarded by agency staff throughout the state, dozens of map layers and online map applications are available for internal and public use. Public applications include interactive maps of DNR properties, outdoor recreation activities, flood risk, invasive species, historic structures and state-owned lands and parcels.
The SAG award reflects DNR efforts to create, analyze and share the best information on Indiana’s natural, cultural, and recreational resources, according to the agency’s GIS coordinator Mike Martin.
“Better data means better decisions, and GIS enables our staff to collect, analyze and share better data,” Martin said.
For more information on DNR’s GIS programs, visit InDNRMaps at indnr.maps.arcgis.com.
Esri is the global market leader in geographic information system (GIS) software. Learn more at esri.com.